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Application of New Pedestrian Level of Service Measures - sacog

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<strong>Application</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Pedestrian</strong> <strong>Level</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Service</strong> <strong>Measures</strong><br />

SACOG<br />

turn signal phasing on the majority <strong>of</strong> signals<br />

within the segment.<br />

Crossing Widths 60 ft or Less<br />

The pedestrian crossing widths are measured<br />

for side street crossings along the corridor,<br />

but not for movements across the corridor<br />

being evaluated. Generally, the throughcrossing<br />

distance and other measures,<br />

including number <strong>of</strong> travel lanes and presence<br />

<strong>of</strong> medians, provide sufficient information<br />

about the size <strong>of</strong> the intersection and its<br />

effect on pedestrian movement. The<br />

pedestrian crossing width is measured in the<br />

center <strong>of</strong> a crosswalk at a signalized<br />

intersection only. When pedestrian refuge<br />

islands or medians are present within the<br />

crosswalk the measurements shall reflect that<br />

these facilities decrease pedestrian crossing<br />

distances. When such a refuge is present the<br />

measurement is taken from the departure<br />

curb to the refuge, and then from the refuge<br />

to the arrival curb. Each <strong>of</strong> these<br />

measurements is individually evaluated using<br />

the criterion <strong>of</strong> 60 ft or less. When the<br />

crossing distance is different on each side <strong>of</strong><br />

the street the greater <strong>of</strong> the two<br />

measurements is used to determine<br />

compliance with this criterion. When<br />

signalized intersections occur at intervals<br />

greater than 1mi along the segment, the<br />

segment is awarded points for this pedestrian<br />

crossing‐width criterion. In this situation there<br />

are few side streets to cross, and they do not<br />

create significant exposure to traffic. When<br />

signalized intersections occur at distances <strong>of</strong> 1<br />

mi or less along the segment, including any<br />

signalized intersections at the corridor<br />

segment terminuses, the majority <strong>of</strong> these<br />

intersections must have pedestrian crossing<br />

widths <strong>of</strong> 60 ft or less. Crossing widths greater<br />

than 60 ft should be improved to provide<br />

pedestrian refuge islands or medians with<br />

supplemental pedestrian push buttons.<br />

Posted Speed 35 mph or Less<br />

High‐speed traffic greatly decreases the<br />

comfort <strong>of</strong> pedestrians and can be a major<br />

deterrent to pedestrian trips. Posted speed<br />

limits <strong>of</strong> 35 mph create operating speeds at<br />

the maximum tolerable level <strong>of</strong> pedestrian<br />

comfort. When a posted speed <strong>of</strong> greater<br />

than 35 mph occurs anywhere in the study<br />

segment the segment will not score points for<br />

this criterion. School zone speeds are not<br />

considered in this evaluation. When average<br />

actual speeds are available they can be used<br />

for a more accurate analysis.<br />

Medians Present<br />

Points will be received for this criterion when<br />

medians are a dominant characteristic within<br />

the corridor or when they are present at<br />

locations with frequent motor‐vehicle turning<br />

movements or frequent pedestrian midblock<br />

crossing movements. Medians in a midblock<br />

location reduce the number <strong>of</strong> motorist left<br />

turn conflicts for pedestrians. <strong>Pedestrian</strong><br />

midblock crossings must provide appropriate<br />

protection (i.e., some combination <strong>of</strong><br />

pedestrian crossing warning signs, flashers,<br />

crosswalks, auxiliary pedestrian signals, and<br />

push buttons). The medians must be<br />

restrictive raised medians with or without<br />

turn bays. The medians to be considered in<br />

this criterion are midblock medians, not<br />

pedestrian refuge islands at intersections,<br />

which are evaluated in the crossing width<br />

criterion.<br />

Amenities in Right‐<strong>of</strong>‐Way<br />

Does the segment provide features that<br />

increase comfort and convenience for<br />

pedestrians using the facility? These features<br />

Issue Date: June 2011<br />

59

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